Occupant propelled amusement device



Jan. 10, 1956 R. o. ETHERINGTON OCCUPANT PROPELLED AMUSEMENT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 19, 1952 n 0 WR m 2 mm 0 m IN fi Mm. m a 0 4 +1 a a m w w +3 6 m 8 a 40, Man 0 4 1km 0 2 Jan. 10, 1956 R. o. ETHERINGTON 2,730,366

OCCUPANT PROPELLED AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed March 19, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /0'8 li/l 04 /24 //5 /20 PLA //8 l0 3 [/2 Robert 0. E fheringfan INVEN TOR.

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OCCUPANT PROPELLED AMUSEMENT DEVICE Robert 0. Etherington, Lawrenceburg, Ky.

Application March 19, 1952, Serial No. 277,465

9 Claims. (Cl. 272-33) This invention relates in general to amusement devices, and more particularly to self-propelled roundabout s.

The primary object of this invention is to provide an improved amusement device in the form of a ride mounted on a circular track, said amusement device includ ng a self-propelled frame whereby the speed of the device is directly dependent upon the rider of the frame.

Another object of this invention is to provide an 1111- proved amusement device for the simultaneous amusement of a plurality of persons, said amusement device including a circular track way on which is mounted a multi-wheel device including a frame for each wheel, seat and drive means associated with each frame and wheel whereby a pluralityof people may be seated on said device and be provided with means for driving same simultaneously.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved amusement device which is relatively safe and requires no expensive means.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved amusement device which may be readily formed of conventional materials including bicycle parts and structural elements, said amusement device being easy to assemble whereby it is economically feasible.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved amusement device which includes a circular trackway having mounted thereon at least one wheeled frame adapted to be self-propelled by a glider seated thereon, said trackway being supported from a circular base by a plurality of bowed supports whereby clearance is provided for a rider who is intended to be seated in vertical alignment with the trackway and wheels mounted thereon.

With these objects definitely in view, this invention resides in certain novel features of construction, combina tion and arrangement of elements and portions as will be hereinafter described in detail in the specifications, particularly pointed out in the appended claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a material part of this application and in which:

Figure l is a top plan view of the primary form of the amusement device which is the subject of this invention, the amusement device including a circular trackway having a circular wheeled vehicular structure mounted thereon for rotation thereabout;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the amusement device of Figure l and shows the general construction of the individual vehicles of the circular vehicular device;

Figure 3 is an enlarged partial transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing the general construction of one of the vehicles and the manner in which it is mounted upon the circular trackway;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of Figure 2 and showing the mounting means for a wheel associated with the frame of one of the vehicles;

Figure 5 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional 'nited States Patent 6 view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 5-5 of Figure 3 and showing the general construction of the drive means associated with each of the frames of the vehicles; and

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the trackway of Figures 1 and 2 having mounted thereon a modified form of vehicle.

Similar characters of reference designate similar or identical elements and portions throughout the specification and throughout the different views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that the preferred form of the amusement device is illustrated in Figures 1 through 5 and includes a supporting structure which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10 and a circular vehicular device which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 12. The circular supporting structure 10 includes a circular base 14 having supported therefrom in vertically spaced relation a circular trackway 16, the trackway being in the form of a vertically extending flat bar. The trackway 16 is supported from the base 14 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced standards 18 which are longitudinally bowed and project inwardly of the outer circumference of the circular base 14.

The vehicular device 12 includes a plurality of spaced identical vehicles which are referred to in general by the reference numeral 20. Each vehicle 20 includes a vertically extending frame member 22 which is generally 2- shaped in end elevation and includes an upper vertical portion 24 which is offset from a lower vertical portion 26. Carried at the upper end of the upper vertical section 24 is a T-shaped fitting 28 which has a horizontally disposed axle 30 extending therefrom at right angles to the upper vertical section 2 Mounted on the axle 39 for rotation is a driven sprocket 32 having an elongated spindle 34 integral therewith and projecting inwardly therefrom. The spindle is retained on the axle 3% by a washer 36 engaging the end thereof, and the washer 36 is in turn retained upon the axle 30 by a cotter pin 38.

Mounted upon the elongated spindle 34- and abutting a shoulder of the spindle 34 adjacent the driven sprocket 32 is a wheel 42. The wheel 42 is keyed upon the spindle 34 by a key 44 and retained thereon by the washer 36. The wheel 42 is provided with a Vshaped circumferential groove 46 which receives the upper edge of the trackway 16 and is guidingly engaged thereon.

The lower end of the lower vertical section 26 of the frame 22 is provided with a cross-shaped fitting 58 which has extending downwardly therefrom a supporting arm St). The lower end of the supporting arm 5% is provided with an enlarged portion in the form of a journal 52 in which is rotatably mounted a crank shaft :34. Mounted on the crank shaft 54 closely adjacent the inner side of the journal 52 is an inner crank arm 56 which has mounted thereon a conventional pedal 53.

The crank shaft 54 extends a considerable distance to the outside of the journal 52 and has removably splined thereon an outer crank arm 66 which is provided with a pedal 62. Also removably splined on the outer end of the crank shaft 54 is a large drive pulley 6 5 which is provided with an enlarged central hub 66. The central hub 66 is provided with a set screw 68 for locking the same upon the splined portion of the crank shaft 54.

Extending between the drive sprocket 64 and the driven sprocket 32 is an elongated continuous drive chain 74 in order that the drive chain may not come into engagement with a person riding the vehicle 2%, the lower portion thereof is enclosed within a tubular guard '72. The guard 72 is supported from the frame 22 by a pair of clamps 74 carried thereby, one clamp 74 engaging the lower vertical portion 26 and the other clamp 74 engaging the arm 50. As is best illustrated in Figure 5, each clamp 74 includes a circular end portion 76 which clampingly engages its associated portion of the frame due to the action of a clamping bolt 78. The clamp 74 is also provided with a pair of oppositely directed flanges 80 which are secured to the tubular guard 72 of rivets 82.

In order that the individual vehicles 20 may be con nected together for simultaneous movement, extending between each T-shaped fitting 28 at the upper end of each frame 22 is a section of a circular connecting member 84. The circular connecting member 84 connects together with the individual vehicles 20 and maintains same in spaced relation. The individual vehicles 20 are further connected together by a lower connecting mem ber 86 having sections extending between the cross-shape fittings 48 of the frames 22. The lower connecting member 86 has mounted thereon adjacent each vehicle 20 a seat 88 whereby an occupant of the vehicle 29 may be properly seated for operating the pedals 58 and 62. The seat 38 is connected to the lower connecting member 86 for longitudinal adjustment by a pair of U-bolts 90. In order that a rider may be properly maintained upon the seat 88, the frame 22 of each vehicle 20 includes a transverse handle bar 92 having grips 94 on the free ends thereof. The handle bar 92 is secured intermediate its ends to the lower vertical portion 26 of the frame 22.

It will be understood that the entire circular vehicular device 12 may be motivated by a single rider associated with one of the vehicles 20 and driving one of the wheels 42 by operating the pedals 58 and rotating the crank shaft 54. The speed of the vehicular device 12 is obviously dependent upon the number of riders and the cooperation of the individual riders so as to present a united effort in driving the vehicular device 12 around the circular trackway 16. It will be understood that the circular trackway 16 and the vehicular device 12 is of such a size that it may readily accommodate either grown-ups or children. Also, the entire amusement device may be made of such a size so as to be limited to either children or adults.

Referring now to Figure 6 in particular, it will be seen that the supporting structure is illustrated as having mounted on its trackway 16 a modified form of the vehicular device, which is referred to generally by the reference numeral 96. The vehicular device 96 is different from the circular vehicular device 12 in that it is in the form of a short compact rectangular frame 98 having wheels 100 and 102 mounted at its upper corners. The frame 98 includes a pair of vertical posts 104 and 106 joined together by horizontal frame members 108 and 110. The forward vertical post 106 is similar to the frame member 22 of the vehicle and has mounted on the lower end thereof a crank assembly 112. Carried by the crank assembly 112 and engaging a driven pulley 114 associated with the wheel 102 is a drive chain 116. The drive chain 116 is enclosed at the bottom portion thereof by a tubular guard 118 which is identical with the tubular guard 72.

The horizontal frame member 110 is provided with a seat 120 adjustably secured thereto by a pair of U-bolts 122 and the front post 106 is provided with a handle bar 124. A rider sits on the seat 120 and rotates the crank assembly 112 to drive the vehicle 96 around the trackway 16. It will be understood that the supporting structure 10 may be provided with one or more individual vehicles 96.

In view of the foregoing description of the supporting structure 10 and the vehicular devices 12 and 96, it will be understood that they are generally formed of sections of pipe joined together by conventional pipe fittings in order that they may be readily assembled. However, if desired the supporting structure and vehicles may be formed of any conventional materials by usual assembling methods including welding.

The operation of this device will be understood from the foregoing description of the details thereof, taken in conjunction with the above recited objects and drawings. Further description would appear to be unnecessary.

Minor modifications of the device, varying in minor details from the embodiment of the device illustrated and described here, may be resorted to without departure from the spirit and scope of this invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. An amusement device comprising a circular trackway supported by a circular base, said circular trackway being elevated above said circular base, longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a plurality of vehicles mounted on said trackway and supported thereby, said vehicles each including a wheel engaging said trackway, a frame carried by said wheel, drive means associated with said frame for driving said wheel, said frames being connected at their lower ends by a lower annular connecting member, seats for said vehicles mounted on .said lower annular connecting member and supported thereby, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicles.

2. An amusement device comprising a circular trackway supported by a circular base, said circular trackway being elevated above said circular base, longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a plurality of vehicles mounted on said trackway and supported thereby, said vehicles each including a wheel engaging said trackway, a frame carried by said wheel, drive means associated with said frame for driving said wheel, said frames being connected at their lower ends by a lower annular connecting member, seats for said vehicles mounted on said lower annular connecting member and supported thereby, said lower circular connecting member directly underlying said trackway, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicles.

3. An amusement device comprising a circular trackway supported by a circular base, said circular trackway being elevated above said circular base, longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a plurality of vehicles mounted on said trackway and supported thereby, said vehicles each including a wheel engaging said trackway, a frame carried by said wheel, drive means associated with said frame for driving said wheel, said frames being connected at their lower ends by a lower annular connecting member, seats for said vehicles mounted on said lower annular connecting member and supported thereby, said frames being connected at their upper ends by an upper annular connecting member whereby said frames are maintained in spaced relation, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicles.

4. An amusement device comprising a annular trackway supported by an annular base, said annular trackway directly overlying said base in vertically spaced relation thereto, longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a vehicle carried by said trackway for movement therealong, said vehicle being between said trackway and base and in alignment therewith, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicle.

5. The amusement device of claim 4 wherein said vehicle has a generally rectangular frame having wheels mounted at upper corners thereof, drive means carried by said frame for driving one of said wheels.

6. The amusement device of claim 4, wherein said vehicle has a generally rectangular frame having wheels mounted at upper corners thereof, drive means carried by said frame for driving one of saidwheels, said frame being generally Z-shaped in verticalsection with a major portion thereof in vertical alignment with said trackway.

7. An amusement device comprising an annular trackway supported by an annular base, said annular trackway directly overlying said base in vertically spaced relation thereto, longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a vehicle carried by said trackway for movement therealong, said vehicle being between said trackway and base and in alignment therewith, said vehicle including a wheel engaging said trackway, a frame depending from said wheel, drive means carried by said frame for driving said wheel, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicle.

8. An amusement device comprising an annular trackway supported by an annular base, said annular trackway being elevated above said annular base in substantially overlying relation thereto, circumferentially spaced longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a plurality of vehicles mounted on said trackway and supported thereby, said vehicle each including a wheel engaging said trackway, a frame carried directly by said wheel in suspended relation, a seat carried by said frame, drive means carried by said frame for driving said wheel, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicles.

9. An amusement device comprising an annular trackway supported by an annular base, said annular trackway being elevated above said annular base, longitudinally curved standards extending between said base and said trackway and supporting said trackway, a plurality of vehicles mounted on said trackway and supported thereby, said vehicles each including a wheel engaging said trackway, a frame carried by said wheel, drive means associated with said frame for driving said wheel, said frames being connected at their upper ends by an upper annular connecting member disposed intermediate said base and said trackway whereby said frames are maintained in spaced relation, the curvature of said standards providing clearance for said vehicles.

References ited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 288,018 Cliiford Nov. 6, 1883 371,386 Small Oct. 11, 1887 623,667 Holloway Apr. 25, 1889 774,757 Keen Nov. 15, 1904 1,142,970 Koehler June 15, 1915 1,456,228 Franklin May 22, 1923 1,580,757 Nichols Apr. 13, 1926 1,601,150 Stine Sept. 28, 1926 1,643,097 Stewart Sept. 20, 1927 1,887,410 Holt Nov. 8, 1932 2,457,355 Dittmar Dec. 28, 1948 2,514,154 Drucker July 4, 1950 2,515,499 Drucker July 18, 1950 

